Stylosanthes guianensis is an upright, short-lived perennial legume. At maturity, the crop is a deeply taprooted and multi-stemmed sub-shrub. Leaves are trifoliate, and yellow-to-orange flowers are borne on spikes. Flowers give way to one-seeded pods, 2-3 cm long, containing small brown-to-purple seeds.

Fine Stem Stylo

Slow growing for the first 6 weeks. Cannot stand heavy grazing and does best at higher altitudes with heavy rainfall.

Mineirão

This crop is variety is grown as a semi-erect perennial and takes about 120 days to establish. Produces good yields from sea level up to 2000 m, between 900-2000 mm rainfall, and temperatures between 18-28 degrees C.